Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 188

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1540

USA > Pennsylvania > Washington County > Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families > Part 188

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Samuel Scott was born August 13, 1829, on the home place in Robinson township, and came with his parents to Smith township, where he was reared and educated, receiving a country-school education. On January 31, 1878, he married Mary M., daughter of John Ross, and she has borne him children as follows: Margaret J., Wal- ter S., Martha A. and Samuel O. Mr. Scott was an Old-line Democrat, but since the organization of the party has been a Republican; he has held

Samuel Scott

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,various township offices, and served three years as county auditor. He and his family are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Burgetts- town, of which he has been trustee for many years, and has contributed liberally to the cause. For a time he taught school in Cross Creek, Smith town- ship, and Robinson township.

Z ACHARIAH BAKER is descended from a Quaker family, whose characteristic spirit of honor and morality is still manifested in the lives of the present generation of that name.

Nathan Baker was a resident of New Jersey, and lived near Philadelphia for several years, finally removing with his family to Chester county, Penn. Afterward he purchased a farm of 150 acres in Washington county, near Fredericktown, where he managed a mill, drove stock and carried on the work of the farm. His first wife was Elizabeth Baker, of New Jersey, and their children were Aaron, Nehemiah, David, Joseph, Nathan, Enoch, Mrs. Lydia Townsend and Mrs. Mary Linton. After the death of the mother of this family, Mr. Baker married a widow, Mrs. Jordan, who bore him the following children: William, Israel, Mahlon and Mrs. Hannah Rejester. Soon after Mr. Baker came to Washington county he went to Baltimore, Md., with stock, and while there was taken sick and died; this occurred in 1803, and he was buried beside his first wife.

Joseph Baker, son of Nathan, was born July 9, 1786, in the State of New Jersey, and passed his early youth at home, attending the rate schools, and assisting in the farm duties. When seventeen years of age, his father died, and he then learned the carpenter's trade of Spencer Mckay, which he followed many years. He first purchased the Miller farm, comprising thirty acres, and in 1830 bought the place which is now the property of his son Zachariah, and here passed the remainder of his life. On January 1, 1818, he was united in marriage with May Corwin, of Amwell township, who was born November 1, 1797, and the results of this union were the following children: Eunice, born November 15, 1818; Alpheus, born May 27, 1821; Stephen, born June 8, 1824; Sophia, born September 29, 1826 (deceased August 9, 1840); Asenath, born August 22, 1829; Enoch, born April 5, 1832; Zachariah, born December 19, 1835; Ruth, born November 11, 1837; and David, born August 20, 1842. Mr. Baker was a successful business man, and his property represented the result of his own integrity, economy and persever- ance. Politically he was formerly an Old-line Whig, afterward becoming a Republican. He and his wife were members of the Baptist Church at Mount Vernon. He died July 22, 1863, after a long and useful life. 56

Zachariah Baker, son of Joseph, was born on the farm in Amwell township, where his entire life has been passed. In his boyhood days he attended the district schools, but at the age of twenty-one he began working by the month, continuing in that way several years. On August 22, 1862, he enlisted at Amity in the One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., remaining in the service until July 6, 1865. He participated in the battles of Gettys- burg, Auburn Heights and Spottsylvania Court- house, in which latter engagement he was wounded. On December 21, 1865, he was united in marriage with Rosa A. Voorhes, who was born March 6, 1839, near Amity, inf Amwell township, a daughter of A. W. and Mary Voorhes; the other children in her father's family were Nelson, born February 27, 1829; Samuel, born June 12, 1830; Jane, born March 24, 1832; Albert, born Decem- ber 26, 1833; Margaret, born October 16, 1835; Nancy, born May 11, 1837; Rose A. born March 6, 1839; Julia (Mrs. Swiggler), born February 4, 1841; Elizabeth, born August 24, 1842; Mary, born March 24, 1844; Andrew, born March 28, 1845; and Peter, born February 28, 1847.

The record of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Zachariah Baker is as follows: Sophia Jane, born October 19, 1866, is the wife of Joseph Tucker, of Amity; Victoren, born July 25, 1868, died Sep- tember 14, 1869; Elizabeth Ann was born January 11, 1874; William Horner, born December 22, 1879, died November 16, 1880. Mr. Baker has been a successful business man, and is a highly es- teemed citizen. He is a zealous worker in the Re- publican party, and he and his family are all members of the Methodist Church at Amity.

SAAC C. PATCH is a son of William Patch, who was born June 1, 1820, in Washington county, Penn., and when a young man was married to Annie E. Clemens. They moved to Triadelphia, W. Va., in 1854, but after eight years returned to this county, and are now residing in Allegheny, Penn. Their children were born as follows: Alexander M., Isaac C., William E., George A. C., Lizzie M., Katie B., Alice A., Birney M., and Ralph C. Alexander M. graduated at West Point in 1876; lost his leg at Fort Brown, Tex., and is now a merchant at Cornwall, Penn. William E., Katie B. and Birney M. are dead. George A. C. is engaged in oil and gas drilling. Lizzie M. married Albert Boone, and lives in Alle- gheny, Penn. ; Alice A. and Ralph C. live with their parents.

Isaac C. Patch was born January 19, 1856, in Tri- adelphia, W. Va., and when fifteen years of age began to learn the blacksmith's trade in his father's shop. This business he has since followed with a full measure of success. In 1872 the family

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moved from Claysville to Houstonville, Penn., where Isaac C. and George A. C. still reside. On February 10, 1886, Isaac C. Patch was united in marriage with Jennie, daughter of James and Ellen Ferris. There were born to him the fol- lowing named children: Anna Mazie, Emma Elsie, William Clark and Albert Boon,

W ILLIAM J. MATHEWS, for many years a leading merchant of Washington, was born in Washington county, Penn., No- vember 10, 1817. His early home was in the country a few miles from Noblestown, in this State. Here he spent the first twenty years of his life, gathering what education he could at the school in the neighborhood, and at the same time forming habits of industry by assisting his father and only brother in a flouring mill. The death of his mother broke up the home. His brother John was married and became a farmer in Noblestown, taking the father with him,

William J. Mathews, the subject of this sketch, came to Washington and entered the dry-goods store of C. M. Reed, Sr., who was then in busi- ness on the corner of Main and Wheeling streets, where the Pittsburgh store is now. Here he served several years as a clerk, and, when Mr. Reed sold his interest in the house, the firm became known as that of Chambers & Mathews. This partnership continued a harmonious and success- ful one for twenty-five years, when failing health decided both members to retire. The transfer of the business was just about to be made when death called Mr. Mathews from his earthly labors. He died suddenly of pneumonia, November 30, 1874, aged fifty-seven years and twenty days. He was married in 1860 to Frances S. Pelletrean, of Southampton, N. Y., who graduated from the Washington Seminary in 1849. She, her three sons and one daughter, survive him. While Mr. Mathews' life may in some ways be called unevent- ful, his was one of those sterling characters which are ever to be held in high esteem. Beginning life a poor boy with few opportunities for mental improvement, he became, because of hard work, scrupulous honesty and strict integrity, a prosper- ous man. At the same time, as well as being " diligent in business," he found time to cultivate the higher interests of his being. He joined the Presbyterian Church early in the pastorate of Rev. J. I. Brownson, D. D., and became by a consistent daily life a witness for Christ. He was a trustee in the church, and at a meeting held December 4, 1874, the following action was taken in relation to his death:

William J. Mathews, whose death we are called upon to record, died November 30, 1874. IIe had been a trustee for four years, the confidence of the congrega-

tion being manifested by his election annually from 1870 to 1874. In the discharge of the duties of the office he was conscientious and faithful, taking a deep interest in all matters pertaining to the business of the congrega- tion, and advocating liberal measures for the promotion of the welfare of pastor and people. During a residence in the community for a period of thirty years he main- tained the character of an upright, honest citizen. The trustees bear cheerful testimony to his uniform courtesy and kindness in his intercourse with them and to his consistent character as a member of the church, They direct a copy of this minute to be furnished to his widow with the assurance of their sympathy in her bereave- ment. (Signed by) M. H. Ewing, C. M. Reed, A. S. Baird, Alex Wilson.

ERRY MYERS was born December 29, 1837, and is a son of Henry Myers, who was born in 1807. In 1832 Henry Myers was united in marriage with Mary Ann Myers, who was born in 1812. They reared a family of four- teen children, twelve of whom are now living, viz .: Hiram, a farmer of Somerset township, married to Miss Sarah Ann Wilson; Ursula, married to Christian Hootman, an agriculturist of Nottingham township; Elizabeth, married to William Keenan, an agriculturist of Fallowfield township; Jerry, married to Sarah Rainey; Abner, farming in Somerset township, married to Miss Mary Horner; William, a farmer of North Strabane township, married to Eliza J. Leyda; John, a stock dealer, of Castle Shannon, Allegheny county, married to Dora West; Anderson, an agriculturist of Somer- set township, married to Lucinda Huffman; Jacob, an agriculturist of Somerset township, married to Josephine Red; Mary J., married to Linsey Heth- erington, a farmer of Somerset township; Henry, an agriculturist of Somerset township, married to Isabelle Crouch; Sarah A., married to Alva Leyda, a farmer of Somerset township. The mother of this family died May 16, 1892. She was a member of the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church. The father is now in his eighty-sixth year, and is living at the old homestead; he is a member of the Pres- byterian Church at Pigeon Creek.

Jerry Myers received his early education in the common schools of Somerset township, this county. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, Twenty-second Pennsylvania Calvary, under Capt. J. T. Chess- rown, and took part in all the principal battles, and many skirmishes, of the West Virginia cam- paign, serving until the close of the war. Iu 1865 he returned home and resumed his agricultural duties. On March 8, 1866, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Sarah Rainey, who was born November 11, 1838, in Somerset township, this county, daughter of William and Mary (Gamble) Rainey. William Rainey was born in 1805, and in early life was married to Mary Gamble, who was born in 1813; they reared a family of nine children, six of whom are now living, viz. : Jane M. (wife of George Adams, a farmer of Page county,

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Iowa), Sarah (Mrs Jerry Myers), Levi G. (a farmer of Somerset township), Eunice E. (married to George Young, an agriculturist of Somerset town- ship), Minerva (wife of Charles Floyd, also an agriculturist of Somerset township) and George M. (a stock dealer, of Somerset township). The father of this family died in 1886. He was a member of the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church. The mother is now in her eightieth year, and is liv- ing with her daughter, Mrs. Floyd. She is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek.

Jerry and Sarah (Rainey) Myers have had five children, viz .: Harry A., born August 1, 1870; Jennie G., born November 16, 1872; Pearl C., born December 26, 1SS0; William (deceased) and one that died in infancy. Mr. Myers is a progress- ive citizen, rapidly rising to prominence in public and business life, and taking an active interest in all movements tending to elevate or improve the condition of the community. He owns a fertile farm of 247 acres, the resources of which are de- veloped to their utmost capacity. He and his wife are members of the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church.

OHN CUNNINGHAM is a well-known resi- dent of Donegal township, and, like many of our most successful and honored citizens, he is a native of the fair "Emerald Isle." His father, Peter Cunningham, was born in 1799, in County Down, Ireland, and in early life learned the weaver's trade, which he followed but a short time. He then became a farmer, and also dealt very extensively in stock. He was married to Dorothea Wilkinson, who was born in the year 1812, also a native of County Down, Ireland, and to them were born the following children: John, Eliza, George, Thomas, Peter, Ellen, Sarah and Abigail, all of whom passed their lives in Ireland, with the exception of John. The father died in the year 1844, and was followed by the mother in 1863.

John Cunningham, the eldest son in the above mentioned family, was born July 24, 1829, in County Down, Ireland. He learned the trade of weaver during his boyhood, but never followed it. His education was obtained in the schools of the country, and he remained at home until April 12, 1849, when he resolved to seek a fortune in the New World. Embarking at Belfast on the vessel "Agitator " (so named for Daniel O'Connell, the great Irish agitator), the ardent youth sailed to Amer- ica, and after a voyage of six weeks and five days landed at Philadelphia. He then went to Pitts- burgh by way of canal boat and rail, but work being poor, he remained there only a short time, and soon came to Washington county, Penn. The first man he worked for after leaving Pittsburglı was Isaac Hodgens, of Taylorstown, with whom he remained one month, being treated very kindly,

and receiving $10 for his services. From there he went to James Campsey, an extensive land- owner, with whom he remained fourteen years. On September 17, 1863, he was united in marriage with Margaret J. Heyburn, who was born in 1840, daughter of Alexander Heyburn, and they have had children as follows: John (living with his parents, is a speculator), Mary Jane (deceased in infancy), George (residing at home), Joseph (living at home), Amanda (also living with her parents) and Margaret Jane (deceased in infancy). The mother of these children died December 25, 1879, and for his second wife Mr. Cunningham was married, December 29, 1885, to Mary Ann Heyburn, who was born in 1847, a sister of his first wife. They have had no children. Mr. Cunningham passed the first few years of his married life as a tenant on the farm of his former employer, and finally In

saved enough money to purchase a home. 1872 he bought and moved upon a farm which was located near Atchison, Donegal township, this county, and remained there till 1881. He thien moved onto a part of the "Heyburn " tract, lying three miles northwest of Claysville, in Donegal township, and has since resided on this farm, which belongs to his wife. Mr. Cunningham has been the architect of his own fortune. He was but a poor Irish boy when he first landed on American soil, and by dint of industry and enter- prise has accumulated a competency. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian, and with his family he enjoys the esteem of the community. In political life he has always been a Republican. The fol- lowing is from the pen of Mr. Cunningham:

Ireland my country I'm now going to leave you, I'll bid you farewell for a while;

To a far distant country I'm now going to wander, Where wild beasts and savage are king.

But Erin my country I'll still think upon you; And of your sweet vales I will sing.

When far distant from you I will think on you still, Your sweet purling streams and your daisy-clad hill. The ship she is waiting with flags waving high, Which bears me from Ireland my fortune to try. But ne'er will I forget till the day I shall die, The pleasures I spent there when I was a boy.

In the old County Down, near the town of Hillsborough, Where my youthful days I have spent;

When I think upon them my heart fills with sorrow, Alas, for their sakes I lament;

But I hope that kind Providence will still be my guide, And conduct me safe over the ocean so wide With a full flowing glass on the other side,

I will drink to Old Erin the Green.

Farewell to the land where the shamrocks do flourish; Farewell to its green flowery vales;

Farewell to the green woods, where the songsters chant chorus, And tell to the warblers their tales.

May the bright sun of heaven still shine round your isle; And peace and prosperity still on you smile;

This is the prayer of your wandering exile, In a land far from Erin the Green.

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EVI SCOTT (deceased) was a son of Finley and grandson of Abraham Scott, the latter of whom was born and reared in Maryland, and when a young man came to Pittsburgh, Penn., afterward settling in Washington county with his brother Alexander. He purchased a wild tract of land near Raccoon postoffice, Robinson township, this county, where his life was passed in agricultural pursuits. He was married to Jane, a sister of John Finley (the founder of Finleyville). and reared the following children: Rachel (Mrs. James Russell), Mary (wife of Thomas Fletcher), Ann (married to James Kerr), Jane (wife of David White), Elizabeth (Mrs. William Scott), Susan (married to John McBride), Abraham, Finley, Holland and Samuel. The father was a Democrat in politics, and in religion a member of the Presby- terian Church at Raccoon.

Finley Scott was born in 1800, in Robinson township, and educated in this county. In 1822 he was married to Margaret, daughter of James Stephenson, of Smith township. The young peo- ple first settled on a farm in Robinson township, and remained there a few years, when they rented a neighboring farm, afterward purchasing a place in Smith township, where they lived twenty years, and finally moving to the home where the remain- der of their lives was passed. Their children were Ann, Robert K., James, Samuel, Finley, John, Levi, Jane F. (Mrs. William Cowen) and Margaret (wife of Thomas Akleson). Mr. Scott was the architect of his own fortune and owned 450 acres of land at the time of his death, which occurred in 1879. He was a Democrat, and held various township offices. In religious connection he first united with the Associate Reformed Church, in which he was an elder, and afterward became a member of the U. P. Church at Burgettstown. Both he and his wife are buried in the U. P. cemetery.

Levi Scott was born January 18, 1837, in Smith township, on the farm now occupied by his widow. He remained on the home place, and attended the common schools of the neighborhood until seven- teen years of age, when he came with his parents to a farm a short distance north of his birthplace. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Twenty-second P. V. C., in which he was a bugler, remaining until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. After the war the young soldier returned to his home in Washington county, and on June 5, 1867, was married to Lizzie J. Lee, who was born August 19, 1844, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Hindman) Lee. Mrs. Scott had two sisters, Mrs. Mary L. Pry, and Miss Nannie H. Lee, who died February 24, 1892, and was buried beside her father and mother in the old cemetery at Cross Creek village.

After his marriage Levi Scott settled on the old

home farm. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown, and was one of the building committee who superintended the erection of the handsome edifice which is their present house of worship. In politics he was an influential worker in the Republican party. On June 2, 1883, he was working at a portable sawmill near Rankin's Mill, in Mt. Pleasant township, and by some accident was thrown be- tween the huge saw logs, being instantly killed. He was buried in the United Presbyterian cemetery, and left a widow and one son, Robert Lee, who was born June 19, 1868. Since the death of her hus- band Mrs. Scott and her son have continued to re- side on the home place, upon which Mr. Scott had erected one of the most handsome farm residences in Smith township. The farm work is carried on by the son and his assistant, Mr. B. D. Malone, a faithful and energetic man, who has been in the employ of the Scott family for twenty years.

W ILLIAM C. IRWIN. Prominent among the enterprising and prosperous agricult- urists of Canton township is the subject of this brief biographical sketch. He was born May 6, 1830, in Canton town- ship, Washington Co., Penn., a grandson of David Irwin, who was among the earliest settlers of the county, but the particulars of whose emigration are unknown. However, the family settled in Canton township, where they at once began clear- ing up and improving a farm.

James Irwin, son of the old pioneer, David Ir- win, was married October 8, 1818, to Margaret Smith, who died July 6, 1819. On March 1, 1821, Mr. Irwin married Nancy Clark, who bore him the following named children: Margaret, Ann, Jane, Mary, William C., Martha, David, Nancy and Adeline. The mother died October 15, 1860, the father December 12, 1854. Mr. Irwin was an energetic worker in the Democratic ranks, and an active member of the United Presbyterian Church at North Buffalo, where he and his wife lie buried.

William C. Irwin, son of James and Nancy (Clark) Irwin, passed his early youth and manhood upon the home farm, and was educated at the public schools of the neighborhood of his birth- place. On October 19, 1854, he was married to Mary R., daughter of Leet and Elizabeth Dye, and immediately brought his bride to the home of his boyhood. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Irwin has been blessed with the following named children: Florence A. (deceased), James D., John L., Laura A., Leman N., William M., Edith E., Asa C., Minnie 'J. (deceased), Mary Etta, Charles Milton, Nellie S. and Clifford T. The mother was called from earth December 12, 1886. Since early manhood Mr. Irwin has been engaged in agricultural pur-

MG. Previn

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suits, and he now owns one of the best farms in Canton township. He is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church at Washington, with which he has long been identified. Politically he is a Democrat, active and zealous in the interests of his party.

AMES PATTERSON, a prominent citizen of Chartiers township, was born February 20. 1828, in Allegheny county, Penn., and is a grandson of John and Mary (Miller) Patter- son, natives of Ireland, who came to Amer- ica, first settling near Wilmington, Del. In 1806, with one horse and a wagon to transport their worldly goods and themselves, the family moved to a partially improved place in Allegheny county, Penn., where John Patterson died, his widow sur- viving lim many years.

Robert Patterson, son of John and Mary (Miller) Patterson, was born in 1791, in Ireland, and passed his earlier youth in his native land, coming to Amer- ica with his parents, who finally settled in Pennsyl- vania. Robert Patterson married Mary McConnell, a native of Allegheny county, Penn., and settled on the homestead in that county. He was one of the minute-men in the factory at Wilmington, Del., previous to his arrival in Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson were formerly members of the As- sociate Reformed Church at Robinson's Run, after- ward uniting with the U. P. Church at that place. Mrs. Patterson died in the spring of 1863, and on March 31, 1876. he passed away on the old home- stead, while in his eighty-fifth year.

James Patterson received his. education in the schools of his native county, and then learned the carpenter's trade, following that vocation several years. In November, 1861. he was married to Miss Catherine Stewart, a native of the Emerald Isle, and a daughter of John and Mary (Walker) Stewart, also natives of Ireland, who immigrated in 1852 to Allegheny county, Penn., where the mother died in 1875; the father is now living with his daughter Catherine. James Patterson re- mained in Allegheny county several years after his marriage, and in 1867 removed to his present home in Washington county. Penn. The children of James and Catherine (Stewart) Patterson are Robert M., John W., Mary Jane, Anna Martha, Sarah Ellen and Mary Rebecca. Of this family, John W. was married in 1890 to Lizzie J. Phillips, a native of Cecil township, and daughter of John Wayne and Anna Mary (Cummins) Phillips, na- tives of Chartiers township, this county. To the union of John W. and Lizzie J. Patterson has been born one daughter, Anna Laura. Mary Jane Pat- terson (the third child of James) is married to C. L. Reed, of Cecil township, and they have one child, Catherine Pauline. Mr. Patterson has 135

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Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 188

Author: J.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1893 Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers Number of Pages: 1540

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1540